Merrill Schumacher v. HHS - Influenza, brachial neuritis (2018)

On December 30, 2016, Merrill Schumacher filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The petitioner alleged that she suffered from brachial neuritis and other injuries as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on or about October 23, 2015.

The respondent denied that the influenza immunization caused the petitioner's brachial neuritis or any other injury, and further denied that the petitioner's alleged current disabilities were a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Despite these positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation on June 19, 2018, agreeing to settle the issues and award compensation to the petitioner.

The stipulation awarded a lump sum of $150,000.00, payable to the petitioner by check, representing compensation for all damages. Special Master Thomas L.

Gowen found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court, ordering judgment to be entered in accordance with the stipulation. Petitioner's counsel was William Cochran of Black McLaren, et al, PC.

Respondent's counsel was Colleen Hartley of the United States Department of Justice.